Why are you too fat?
Do something about it.
[QUOTE=jdcavo;97725]A high BMI doesn’t disqualify you, you only need to demonstrate to or convince the doctor you can perform the physical agilioty/strength demonstration. If you are fit as you say, this is not a problem. Obstructive sleep apnea is a problem. If it is untreated, you probably will not get through the Coast Guard medical fitness review.[/QUOTE]
Yeah the physical part, I’m not too worried about, unless they make me run lol, but then again, even when the gym was my church, I couldn’t run worth a shit lol.
I’ve talked to my chopper Doctor to see if she makes those jaw extenders, like your buddy used, and she said she did; so I guess I’ll be making another payment on her Lexus lol.
[QUOTE=Sweat-n-Grease;97975]Why are you too fat?[/QUOTE]
The ravages of life lol… ehhh…
[QUOTE=Smith71;97977]The ravages of life lol… ehhh…[/QUOTE]
I’m not tossing stones at you, “just what you want to be, you’ll be in the end” ~ Moody Blues
[QUOTE=Sweat-n-Grease;97978]I’m not tossing stones at you, “just what you want to be, you’ll be in the end” ~ Moody Blues[/QUOTE]
I understand where you’re coming from. It’s just a hard transition from powerlifting to a normal life when you’re in it like I was. You tend to pack on pounds when you let off the weight. An old gym saying - You can gain pounds with weight in 2 ways… Pounds with weights or Pounds without weights, meaning muscle or fat. Plus, when you’re taking in 8000+ cals a day, clean or not, that’s hard to adjust to as well.
[QUOTE=Smith71;97999]I understand where you’re coming from. It’s just a hard transition from powerlifting to a normal life when you’re in it like I was. You tend to pack on pounds when you let off the weight. An old gym saying - You can gain pounds with weight in 2 ways… Pounds with weights or Pounds without weights, meaning muscle or fat. Plus, when you’re taking in 8000+ cals a day, clean or not, that’s hard to adjust to as well.[/QUOTE]
Yes, I know what you mean.
Did you compete?
I use to compete in log chopping contests during Lumberjack Days, gotta pink ribbon too, by golly.
[ATTACH]2884[/ATTACH]
The last pre-employment strength and agility test I had did not use any of the fancy computerized machines. This is what it was like:
- Pulse, blood pressure, simple physical exam (just enough so they don’t think you’ll drop dead during the test);
- A physical therapist twists all the limbs and joints through their full range of motion, and requires some bending and stretching exercises;
- Three minutes of stair stepping in time with music up and down four steps — do not stop.
- Grip strength test (the therapist acted surprised that I could squeeze 140 lbs, but she wouldn’t say what was required);
- While wearing a heart monitor and O2 monitor — carry a box through various routines (25 lbs lifting on and off a table, on and off floor, on and off over head shelf — 50 lbs on and off table and floor, several sets of laps (about 100 feet long) with carrying, turning, and lifting on and off floor — increase to lift100 lbs on and off table and floor; 3 laps with setting, lifting and turning about every 30 feet.
- Misc other exercises with 50 lbs; climbing ladders and through openings, and
- 5 laps of carrying 90 lbs with lifting, setting on the floor and turning every 30 feet (they were very fussy about lifting using the proper form).
There was no running.
I had to drive 3-1/2 hours to get to the test (the instructions said don’t drive over 30 minutes before the test), and the exam and test took about 3 hours. The would not tell me one effing thing about how I did, except that the test was the same for all men regardless of age. I didn’t feel sore afterwards, but noticed my arms tightening up on the drive home. The next couple of days I was pretty sore. This test was a bit much for an old guy like me just looking for a job drinking coffee, doing paperwork, warming the pilothouse chair, and wiggling jog sticks when necessary.
About a week later the employer emailed a test report to me; it said: “Fit to work, Level 1.” (no other details at all). So I asked what “Level 1” meant. They said it meant the 100 lb, or highest level (Level 2 and 3 are the same test, but with less weight)
I’ve heard that some companies have physicals and strength and agility tests that take 7 hours.
That may give you some idea of what to expect (probably the minimum) for a strength and agility test.
[QUOTE=tugsailor;98055]The last pre-employment strength and agility test I had did not use any of the fancy computerized machines. This is what it was like:
- Pulse, blood pressure, simple physical exam (just enough so they don’t think you’ll drop dead during the test);
- A physical therapist twists all the limbs and joints through their full range of motion, and requires some bending and stretching exercises;
- Three minutes of stair stepping in time with music up and down four steps — do not stop.
- Grip strength test (the therapist acted surprised that I could squeeze 140 lbs, but she wouldn’t say what was required);
- While wearing a heart monitor and O2 monitor — carry a box through various routines (25 lbs lifting on and off a table, on and off floor, on and off over head shelf — 50 lbs on and off table and floor, several sets of laps (about 100 feet long) with carrying, turning, and lifting on and off floor — increase to lift100 lbs on and off table and floor; 3 laps with setting, lifting and turning about every 30 feet.
- Misc other exercises with 50 lbs; climbing ladders and through openings, and
- 5 laps of carrying 90 lbs with lifting, setting on the floor and turning every 30 feet (they were very fussy about lifting using the proper form).
There was no running.
I had to drive 3-1/2 hours to get to the test (the instructions said don’t drive over 30 minutes before the test), and the exam and test took about 3 hours. The would not tell me one effing thing about how I did, except that the test was the same for all men regardless of age. I didn’t feel sore afterwards, but noticed my arms tightening up on the drive home. The next couple of days I was pretty sore. This test was a bit much for an old guy like me just looking for a job drinking coffee, doing paperwork, warming the pilothouse chair, and wiggling jog sticks when necessary.
About a week later the employer emailed a test report to me; it said: “Fit to work, Level 1.” (no other details at all). So I asked what “Level 1” meant. They said it meant the 100 lb, or highest level (Level 2 and 3 are the same test, but with less weight)
I’ve heard that some companies have physicals and strength and agility tests that take 7 hours.
That may give you some idea of what to expect (probably the minimum) for a strength and agility test.[/QUOTE]
That must be a company physical? All my physicals including 5 CG physicals ended after your step 1.
[QUOTE=brjones;98076]That must be a company physical? All my physicals including 5 CG physicals ended after your step 1.[/QUOTE]
Yea, same with me but I think the San Francisco MEBA Clinic drew blood but I never got the results. I was good to go all the time. We got a little physical clearance card which I just pulled out of my Union Book, it states “verification of annual physical examination” and there’s dates and clinic location. That’s it - good to go. Let’s see what else is in the book:
Dues Payment list with dates and amounts
National Shipping Card, JUL 17, 1995, Group 1, guess that one is a relic.
Port Relief Card, again JUL 17, 1995, oops, can’t use that one any more
Several MEBA Engineering School certifications: Diesel, IGS/COW, Basic Computers, Refrigeration Transition & Recovery, Electronics, Welding, there should be more, guess I lost them.
Benzene Certification, MAR 18, 1994, Valid for 12 months (well, that one had its day I would say)
Oh, here’ a goodie: Drug Free Certification, Dated 2 AUG, 1994 (Oops, that’s a goner)
A bunch of MEBA Dispatch clearances, all dog eared.
One condom, unused
I been around after 1995, guess I didn’t keep those little goodies in my book, or there wasn’t room for all of’em. 
Well, that’s it, I’ll place all these little gems back in the Union Book where they might not see the light of day for who knows how long a time.
[QUOTE=Sweat-n-Grease;98038]Yes, I know what you mean.
Did you compete?
I use to compete in log chopping contests during Lumberjack Days, gotta pink ribbon too, by golly.
[ATTACH]2884[/ATTACH][/QUOTE]
No it was something I did for fun.
Log chopping takes a hell of a lot of endurance man, good for you! I did very little cardio back in the day so my cardiovascular endurance was minimal. I was not a runner or anything like a that. Shoot log chopping like I see those guys do in tv, made me tired just watching lol.
GREAT pic! Got the beard and all!
[QUOTE=tugsailor;98055]The last pre-employment strength and agility test I had did not use any of the fancy computerized machines. This is what it was like:
- Pulse, blood pressure, simple physical exam (just enough so they don’t think you’ll drop dead during the test);
- A physical therapist twists all the limbs and joints through their full range of motion, and requires some bending and stretching exercises;
- Three minutes of stair stepping in time with music up and down four steps — do not stop.
- Grip strength test (the therapist acted surprised that I could squeeze 140 lbs, but she wouldn’t say what was required);
- While wearing a heart monitor and O2 monitor — carry a box through various routines (25 lbs lifting on and off a table, on and off floor, on and off over head shelf — 50 lbs on and off table and floor, several sets of laps (about 100 feet long) with carrying, turning, and lifting on and off floor — increase to lift100 lbs on and off table and floor; 3 laps with setting, lifting and turning about every 30 feet.
- Misc other exercises with 50 lbs; climbing ladders and through openings, and
- 5 laps of carrying 90 lbs with lifting, setting on the floor and turning every 30 feet (they were very fussy about lifting using the proper form).
There was no running.
I had to drive 3-1/2 hours to get to the test (the instructions said don’t drive over 30 minutes before the test), and the exam and test took about 3 hours. The would not tell me one effing thing about how I did, except that the test was the same for all men regardless of age. I didn’t feel sore afterwards, but noticed my arms tightening up on the drive home. The next couple of days I was pretty sore. This test was a bit much for an old guy like me just looking for a job drinking coffee, doing paperwork, warming the pilothouse chair, and wiggling jog sticks when necessary.
About a week later the employer emailed a test report to me; it said: “Fit to work, Level 1.” (no other details at all). So I asked what “Level 1” meant. They said it meant the 100 lb, or highest level (Level 2 and 3 are the same test, but with less weight)
I’ve heard that some companies have physicals and strength and agility tests that take 7 hours.
That may give you some idea of what to expect (probably the minimum) for a strength and agility test.[/QUOTE]
WOW! that’s a lot of running around. I’m assuming the machine was checking your CO2 and nitrogen expenditure, as well as your O2 intake. Wouldn’t have any issue with carrying the weight, but all that running around, I could see, would be exhausting… even if I was in 100% shape!
[QUOTE=brjones;98076]That must be a company physical? All my physicals including 5 CG physicals ended after your step 1.[/QUOTE]
Now that’s more like it lol.
I did call the USCG office that handles all the stuff for the SIU Merchant Marines and I told them my situation and they said that I would just need to have my Doc sign off physical fit form, that I downloaded, and that was it. I even asked specifically if I had to under go any testing directly with the CG and she said no. As for the sleep apnea, I don’t recall 10%% on that part of the conversation, but I think she said that I would have to have my Doc fill out another form stating that I was okay. That’s should be easy enough since my Doc will sigh more anything I need. But I am checking into the mouth guard device for the apnea, none the less.
[QUOTE=Smith71;98338]I did call the USCG office that handles all the stuff for the SIU Merchant Marines and I told them my situation and they said that I would just need to have my Doc sign off physical fit form, that I downloaded, and that was it. I even asked specifically if I had to under go any testing directly with the CG and she said no. As for the sleep apnea, I don’t recall 10%% on that part of the conversation, but I think she said that I would have to have my Doc fill out another form stating that I was okay. That’s should be easy enough since my Doc will sigh more anything I need. But I am checking into the mouth guard device for the apnea, none the less.[/QUOTE]
Oh my goodness - This is complicated. To think. I was good to go.These days, not so much ~
[QUOTE=Sweat-n-Grease;98345]Oh my goodness - This is complicated. To think. I was good to go.These days, not so much ~[/QUOTE]
Man you’re not kidding! There’s a 2 step process and since most don’t know what they are doing, like me, it’s confusing as hell! -
[B][U]First part:[/U][/B]
You have thirty (30) days to complete Step #1 as stated on our website. This begins from the date you submitted your online application.
Please submit your three (3) character references, six (6) passport size photos, and your high school transcripts as soon as possible. You are also required to take a Reading and Math Test at any of our SIU Hall’s. A list of the union halls can be found online at seafarers.org under Union Membership (Union Halls). Please call the hall to set up an appointment to take this.
TAKE THIS LETTER WITH YOU THE DAY YOU TEST AS THE UNION REPRESENTATIVE WILL ASK FOR IT.
[B][U]Second part:[/U][/B]
Congratulations, the Admissions Selection Committee met today and you have been selected to move onto Step #2 of the application process for the Unlicensed Apprentice Program. Please see below instructions for this step and forward all necessary documents to the Admissions Office as soon as possible. (You have 90 days to complete this particular step or your file will be closed and you will not be permitted to re-apply):
-
Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC). TWIC centers and appointment scheduling can be done online at www.tsa.gov/twic or by calling 1-866-347-8942. -
Merchant Mariners Credential (MMC) from the USCG. You must apply for your TWIC before you can apply for a MMC. Contact your local USCG Regional Exam Center for information and an application for a MMC, or go online to www.uscg.mil/nmc/ for further information. YOU MUST APPLY FOR OS, WI, SD(FH). IF YOUR MMC IS NOT ENDORSED WITH THESE ENDORSEMENTS INCLUDING FOOD HANDLER (FH) YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ATTEND THE SCHOOL. A communicable disease statement is enclosed and must be filled out by your doctor and submitted with your Coast Guard physical upon applying for your MMC. -
Valid passport. -
All applicants must have a complete dental examination administered by his/her private dentist. A dental letter must be sent to the Admissions Office, on your dentist’s letterhead and must specifically state that the applicant does not have any cavities, pyorrhea, or periodontal disease and currently needs no work to be done. The letter must contain a current date.
All official government documents (TWIC, MMC, passport) should be copied and the copies mailed to the Admissions Office or faxed (301-994-2189). Please do not send originals. Please send to LMSS, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, Maryland 20674.
[QUOTE=Sweat-n-Grease;98086]Yea, same with me but I think the San Francisco MEBA Clinic drew blood but I never got the results.[/QUOTE]
Yep Maria still draws blood. Only now she does it in Oakland. That’s usually how I get info on a slight rise in cholesterol.
Smith71, I think you are worrying too much about all this. I doubt SIU is going to allow you to continue if you cant pass a CG physical. When you are going thru the apprentice program you have to sail on a ship and that means you need the mmd. So if you cant pass a physical then you cant be in the program. As it has been said if your BMI is too high then you have to prove to the doc that you can perform the duties. Thats why I mention the stick. I heard of a doc in Baltimore that made overweight guys crawl under it and climb over it. That was all he needed to be convinced you were fit. Now I will say this. I dont have any medical conditions but I have seen guys walk out of physicals who looked like would drop dead going up a gangway. I believe some go see their doctor and some go see the CG doctor.
Look into the “Ideal Protein” program. www.idealprotein.com, it’s doctor supervised and you’ll lose a ton of weight in a relatively short amount of time. I too had sleep apnea. I lost about 75 pounds in roughly five months and the sleep apnea and snoring was gone during the first 30-40 lbs. It takes some will power to follow, but does become second nature fairly quickly.